3. A tablet

I know, I know, we are told continuously that screen time is the devil, but desperate times call for desperate measures.

I have found that leaving my tablet as a last resort after I have exhausted all other options, is more than okay.

Sometimes a few episodes of Daniel Tiger and playing the bubble popping app is the difference between a full out meltdown and a peaceful ending to a long trip.

When my knees are cramped, and my ears hurt, I prefer the latter.

Plus, Daniel Tiger taught my kiddo to stop and use the potty when we’re out, so I do think screens can have some educational value.

And I bought a decent tablet for $30. Not only do I enjoy playing Candy Crush on it from time to time, but it functions as a treat at the end of a long flight.

4. Magnetic puzzles

Another one of our favorite things to entertain kids on a plane are magnetic puzzles.

You see, my son loves puzzles. And when I say loves, I mean it. We even have our own puzzle crates that I can hand him during quiet time.

He will put those things together for at least a half an hour. In toddler time, that's an eternity.

But on a plane, I was always nervous about losing the pieces. So when I found the magnetic puzzles, it was like the sea was opening and leading me to this aha moment.

Now my son arranges these magnetic puzzles and problem solves while I sit back, relax, and read the latest edition of Sky Mall. (I always can use another automatic foot massager.)

5. Play-Doh packs

Another favorite toy in my household is Play-Doh.

Did you know that many dollar stores offer Play-Doh packs? I know there are some things at the dollar store that you might not want to buy: their pickles and frozen steak bits scare me.

However, some toys are name brand and pretty spectacular. I came across a Play-Doh pack that was in a small package - a perfect size for my carry-on.

It included three small containers of Play-Doh and two plastic cutting utensils that I knew my little nugget would enjoy.

I didn't let him see the package until we were high in the clouds. Then I busted it out mid-flight, and he decided to make me a Play-Doh dinner of chicken and strawberries. He even cut the meal for me with his fake knife.

Not only do I get to see my three-year-old’s imagination run rampant, but I got to pretend to gobble up a Play-Doh dinner with my son.

What's better than that? Plus, it felt awesome to be waited on.

6. Animal Crackers

My three-year-old loves to eat. My four-month-old loves to eat too, but snacks are not in his repertoire yet.

However, my three-year-old will start asking for a snack as soon as we get to the airport gate.

I do my best to hold him off until we get on the plane, where I bust out some good old-fashioned Animal Crackers.

These nostalgic delights not only serve as a snack food but also act as toys. Seriously, we have our own mini safari going on - on top of our airplane table.

Munching and playing with animal crackers could tame my son for at least thirty minutes. I’ll take it!

7. Music

Both of my boys love music, so I pack up the headphones and load my phone with children's songs.

Your little one might start singing “Mama Finger” out loud (yes, this really is the name of my son's favorite song).

And strangers may look at you, but most people are usually pretty forgiving when they see a three-year-old busting out a tune, even if it's a bizarre kid’s song.

At least they’re a lot more forgiving than if I attempted to sing Lady Gaga’s “Poker Face” while crammed in a window seat.

Download some music before your trip, and you might get a cute, free concert.

Keeping your kids entertained on a plane doesn't have to be a difficult task. With a little preparation and a children’s backpack full of goodies, you might just be able to put your sleep mask on and grab a wink.

Okay, probably not, but you could witness your child sing his best rendition of “Mama Finger,” while sticking Ninja Turtles to a scene, and smelling Play-Doh chicken. You get the picture.